Strathmore RCMP has charged a man with several offences after officers found him asleep in a stolen vehicle.
"Strathmore RCMP was on patrol in Strathmore’s industrial park when they noted a silver Mercedes Benz SUV parked in the middle of Slater Road with the brake lights illuminated. The officer activated their emergency lights which did not illicit a reaction from the driver," says a police news release.
RCMP added that the vehicle was stolen and was used for several property crimes in the Calgary area.
"Additional members were called for assistance to box the vehicle in, and a tire deflation device was placed in front of the rear wheels to prevent the vehicle from fleeing," added police.
The driver woke up and the vehicle rolled forward into the tire deflation device, which flattened both rear tires until the car stopped.
Twenty-five-year-old Anthony Favel was taken into custody by police after officers found a sawed-off shotgun in the backseat with ammunition attached to the buttstock along with stolen tools, pieces of identification, financial documents, registration, and insurance, vehicle keys, break-in instruments, a prohibited weapon, and bear spray.
Favel is charged with 24 offences including driving a vehicle without insurance, failing to comply with a probation order, identity theft, fleeing a peace officer, possession of a firearm, possessing a firearm with ammunition without while not being authorized, possession of property obtained by crime, and more.
“This investigation highlights the effort of southern Alberta RCMP criminal analyst effort to identify crime series in the Calgary urban area, timely dissemination of information to front line members, and in this case, the diligence of Strathmore RCMP to detect, deter, and prevent crime. It also serves as a reminder for our residents to remain vigilant in keeping their property and businesses secure with the periodic presence of area offenders,” said Staff Sgt. Mark Wielgosz, detachment commander of the Strathmore RCMP.
Wielgosz told StrathmoreNow that more charges could be laid as the investigation continues.
"At the time of his arrest, Favel was wanted on a warrant out of Calgary, he was bound by a probation order issued as a result of convictions on 10 other criminal offences and has an extensive criminal history."
Favel will be in court on Tuesday.